The Divine Comedy: Purgatory by Dante Alighieri

The Divine Comedy: Purgatory by Dante Alighieri
Dorothy L. Sayers (Translator)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is truly an epic tale.

I decided that I wanted to start 2009 out right, reading as much as I could. I'm not sure what made me choose this book, but I'm glad that I did. I awoke New Years day and grabbed it from the shelf. And, to say the least, I couldn't put it down until I was done.

The tale flows so beautifully, as it follows Dante through each layer of Purgatory. The imagery is amazing, leading the reader to easily envision each step of Dante's journey. The trials and tribulations of a living being traveling through such a place are innumerable. Dante meets so many people (or former people, as the case may be) along the way, several that he knew in the world above.

It is an intriguing tale that I would recommend to any and all that are looking for a true literary masterpiece. If you need an escape, escape through Purgatory...

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C. Maze

Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C. Maze
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Purchase the book here.

I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of this book for review and must say that I am very glad that I did. While normally I shy away from books with a religious theme, I decided to give this one a shot, based on others' reviews of it.

Immediately, the book draws you in with an intriguing interaction between the main character, Beth Rider, and an unknown assailant. It continues to keep you on the edge of your seat, as you follow Beth through horrendous (and some, not so bad) dealings with beings unlike herself yet more along the lines of the characters in her own novels. As an author, she has a great imagination and, with religion at her side, she finds a way to keep her inner peace intact. While being exposed to situations in which most would be frightened nigh unto death or in complete awe, she pushes forward. Her faith helped her through it all. (Keep in mind, that while religion plays a large role, it wasn't overpowering.)

Maze keeps the reader turning the pages, always wanting to know what happens next. There was a few times in which I thought I knew what was coming next, only to be thrown another curve ball. There was no way to even guess how it would end and I found myself quite surprised.

This book had everything necessary for the makings of a great novel and it definitely delivered. Ellen Maze is an author worth reading and I look forward to more of her books.